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Abstract: Fine bamboo strips (BSs) have been laid on polypropylene (PP) web, stacked, and compression molded to prepare unconsolidated light-weight (0.312g/cm3) composites. Composite properties are superior compared with jute-based composites and bamboo strips show potential to replace fiberglass or polyurethane in composites. Flexural strength, modulus, offset yield load, and Noise Reduction Coefficient (NR) of the BS–PP composites are 5.8×, 2.9×, 6.5×, and 1.4× higher, respectively, compared to jute–PP composites. Bamboo-based non-consolidated composites with excellent mechanical and sound absorption properties utilizing the methods described in this research provide an opportunity to manufacture functional composites with bio-based materials leading to reduction of environmental pollution and sustainable manufacturing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper demonstrates a unique approach of developing composites from used polyester/cotton blend fabrics without the need of plasticizers or additional matrix or reinforcing materials. Considerable amounts of PET/cotton blend fabrics are disposed every year due to the technical challenge and/or economical viability of recycling PET from PET/cotton fabrics. The feasibility of compression molding PET/cotton fabrics into composites was studied. The influences of plasticizers on mechanical properties of composites were investigated. PET/cotton composites without plasticizers provided 153% higher modulus of elasticity, 36% higher Young’s modulus, similar impact resistance but 17% lower flexural strength and 44% lower tensile strength compared to that of PET matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ti and Ti alloys are widely used implant materials in clinical orthopedics because of their excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. However, the therapeutic effect of Ti alloys is limited by their poor osseointegration. Thus, this study aimed to improve the poor osteointegration of Ti by fabricating Ti alloys containing different amounts of Ga. The properties, including element distribution, hardness, and calcium salt deposition of the Ti–Ga alloys were evaluated. Results showed that Ga, as a bioactive metal, promoted apatite formation. The osteogenic performance of the Ti–Ga alloys was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and a rat intramedullary nail model, respectively. Biological results demonstrated that the Ti–Ga alloys provided suitable conditions for cell adhesion and spreading, promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and enhanced osseointegration in vivo better than pure Ti. Transcriptomic results further indicated that Ga enhanced osseointegration by downregulating gremlin expression. This study introduced Ti–Ga alloys as promising implant materials with better osseointegration than pure Ti and elucidated the possible mechanism by which Ga promotes osteogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without additional matrix or reinforcement, compression molded composites from waste polypropylene (PP) carpets/nylon (PA) carpets or PP carpets/polyester (PET) carpets have higher mechanical properties and sound absorption than traditional jute/PP composites. Large amount of carpets have been discarded every year, leading to waste of petro-based materials and serious environmental pollution. Fabrication of composites from discarded carpets via compression molding could save petroleum resources and alleviate environmental pressure. In this research, the compression molded composites from waste PP/PA carpets or PP/PET carpets showed good mechanical properties, sound absorption and water stability. Compared to the jute/PP composites, nylon 6,6 (PA66)/PP carpet composites had 37% and 9% higher flexural strength and impact resistance, as well as 45% and 10% higher sound absorption and water stability, indicating their potential for transportation and construction industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]